2024-10-08 14:00:00
The mayors of France denounce this cost-saving effort
The government announced as part of the 2025 draft budget that it wanted impose an effort of 5 billion euros on local authorities. The latter, grouped within the Association of Mayors of France (AMF), are against this request. According to André Laignel, the president of the commission and deputy vice-president of the Association of Mayors of France, this effort could even reach 9.5 billion eurosif we take into account the anticipated drop in the Green Fund and the effects of inflation. Communities are already affected by budgetary restrictions and this new government requirement is seen as an “unprecedented drain” on their resources.
Local elected officials are not upset by this decision, which they consider unfair. In addition to the direct impact on their finances, they point to a “ absolute breach of the word of the State ». André Laignel accuses the government of not keeping its commitments, particularly in terms of supporting communities in a difficult economic context. According to the AMF, these measures would weaken local public services and endanger crucial projects for citizens, such as infrastructure, education and even ecology.
Savings targeting larger communities
To achieve these savings, the government proposes the creation of a compulsory savings fund for the 450 largest communities. This system would make it possible to curb public spending by 2.8 billion euros, while promising a restitution of these savings at an as yet undetermined date. This mechanism, still vague in its terms, raises many questions. Communities are worried about never seeing this money again or partially recovering it, which would reinforce their feeling of injustice.
Among the other measures announced, the freezing of the revaluation of VAT revenue, which usually represents a significant windfall for communities, is an additional source of concern. This freeze could result in 1.3 to 1.5 billion euros in additional savings imposed on communities. Finally, the State wishes to reduce by 800 million euros the VAT Compensation Fund, a key system which makes it possible to compensate for the VAT paid by communities on their expenses.
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The Mayors of France Unite Against Government’s Cost-Saving Effort: A Threat to Local Communities
As the French government announces its 2025 draft budget, a storm is brewing in the local communities. The Association of Mayors of France (AMF) is strongly opposing the government’s request to impose a 5 billion euro cost-saving effort on local authorities. This move, described as an “unprecedented drain” on their resources, has sparked widespread outrage among local elected officials.
According to André Laignel, the president of the commission and deputy vice-president of the AMF, the actual burden on local authorities could be even higher, reaching 9.5 billion euros when considering the anticipated drop in the Green Fund and the effects of inflation [[3]]. This increased financial pressure will only exacerbate the existing budgetary restrictions that local communities are already struggling with.
The mayors’ discontent is rooted in the perceived unfairness of this decision. Not only will this cost-saving effort directly impact their finances, but it also represents an “absolute breach of the word of the State”, as stated by the local elected officials. The Association of Mayors of France has long maintained that they play a critical role in supporting the country’s financial balance, which has been proven time and again, particularly since 2010, when they have contributed 62 billion euros [[3]].
This frustration should not come as a surprise, given the country’s recent history of similar disputes. Just a few years ago, French mayors protested against reduced funding from the central government [[2]], and in 2018, the country witnessed four consecutive weekends of demonstrations against fuel tax rises, high living costs, and other issues, leading to an “economic catastrophe” for France [[1]]. These repeated clashes between the government and local authorities demonstrate a growing discontent among the citizens and local officials towards the state’s perceived lack of support for their needs.
As the dust settles on this latest development, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the AMF’s concerns. One thing is certain, however: the mayors of France will continue to fight for the interests of their communities and push back against policies that they deem unfair and unrealistic. As we move forward, it is crucial that the central government engages in open and constructive dialogue with local authorities to avoid further polarization and ensure the well-being of the French people.
the mayors’ opposition to the government’s cost-saving effort is not merely a local issue but a symptom of a broader malaise in the relationship between the central government and local authorities. As we navigate these complex times, it is essential to listen to the voices of local elected officials and work towards finding solutions that benefit all parties involved. The future of France depends on it.
